Recently, I spoke with a friend about accountability. She and her husband reached out to me saying they are “new to this accountability thing”. I thought that was cute. Anyway, we’ve been friends since high school. She and her husband are amazing business owners, great entrepreneurs, and have had a good measure of success. However, recently, they’ve had some training on leadership that’s taken them to a whole new level of living. I’m honored they reached out to me for advice and understanding. I don’t claim to have a solo revelation of this subject. I have learned everything I know from amazing leaders and mentors and try my best to live it out.
Accountability is not overrated like some would like to claim, but I do believe it’s misunderstood in many ways.
For example, we need to get this right:
If those you’ve chosen to be accountable to are always agreeing with and affirming everything you say and do, that’s not healthy. And, is that *true* accountability? Or, have you just found a good sounding-board friend?
“Better is an open reprimand [of loving correction] than love that is hidden.” Pro. 27:5
On the flip side, if they are always berating and battering you, that’s not healthy, either. You’re not a punching bag.
“So then, let us pursue [with enthusiasm] the things which make for peace and the building up of one another [things which lead to spiritual growth].” Ro. 14:19
What you and I need in our accountability team are those who will call it like it is. The truth. There will be times they agree and times they will not. An accountable heart will stay in humility and receive instruction and advice whether it feels good or not.
Our accountability team should not be oversized and should consist of leaders in our lives. If you’re a pastor, find someone more seasoned than you with a fruit-filled life. If you have pastors, they’re automatically part of your accountability team. *Side note, if you’re avoiding your pastors, that could be a sign of a root of rebellion. Check it and pray about it.
“Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” Heb. 13:7
“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ…” Eph. 4:11-12
Also, make note, accountability can include brothers and sisters in the Lord – those with whom you attend church. Again, choose wisely who you confide in. You want the balance of truth.
“And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities, Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching.” Heb. 10:24-25
Don’t believe the lie that accountability is overrated, just commit yourself to understanding it in the biblical sense. You may not even understand it entirely, but trust that God’s plan is that we surround ourselves with people who will grow us, correct us, and teach us in love.
[Ladies – make plans to attend our Fashioned Conference Sept. 27 & 28. Visit: www.FashionedConference.org.]
